Rise in seasonal illnesses prompts concern from health officials amid holiday travel - KOMO News

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SEATTLE — If you're heading out of town for the holidays, be aware.

In just the last month, health officials said they've seen a significant increase in some seasonal illnesses across the country:

A 200% spike in flu cases across 44 states
A 60% increase in RSV cases
A 50% jump in COVID-19 cases

The COVID data shows those over 65 years old represent the group most at risk for hospitalization and death.

"Often during the winter, we're moving indoors, we're close in proximity to each other," ABC's medical correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton said. "That increases transmission and then, of course, leads to infection."

According to the most recent data from the Washington State Department of Health, influenza activity in the state is still low. Nine people have died this season from the flu. COVID-19 cases are flat.

Doctors, though, are concerned the number of pregnant women getting vaccinated is down nearly 15% from last year.

"A flu during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth, pre-term labor and miscarriage," Sutton said. "And so it's vital and important that pregnant women get vaccinated."

Health care providers are also tracking a new COVID-19 variant which is now causing more than 30% of coronavirus cases in the Northeast.

The good news?

"It doesn't seem to evade the methods that we have here and we know to be true for protection in terms of masking up to date on vaccines," Sutton said.

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